Sterile encapsulated operating room video monitor and video monitor support device

ABSTRACT

A sterile operating room video monitor and video monitor support device are provided to enable a surgeon to more easily conduct endoscopic procedures. A lightweight self-contained monitor module is provided to enable the surgeon to easily manipulate the image on the video monitor of a surgical area. A video support stand which secures the video monitor in the sterile operating field allows a surgeon to precisely place the video monitor at a desired position. The video support stand includes a monitor mount which may have a plurality of apertures communicating with a source of vacuum to hold a sterile drape tightly over the monitor module screen. Alternatively, the drape may be eliminated, and a close tolerance fit is made between the monitor mount and video monitor securing it in the sterile field. This invention allows positioning of the video monitor in the natural line of sight of the surgeon as he or she performs an endoscopic procedure. An air vent filter may be used in conjunction with the vacuum line to allow air to flow through the sterile drape thus cooling the video monitor therein.

This invention is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No.08/678,810, filed Jul. 12, 1996 and entitled "Sterile EncapsulatedOperating Room Video Monitor and Video Monitor Support Device, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,765,565."

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an apparatus which provides a visual displayof a surgical site, and more particularly, to a sterile encapsulatedoperating room flat panel video monitor and flat panel video monitorsupport used in conjunction with an endoscopic camera and instrument toprovide an image of a surgical area.

BACKGROUND ART

Endoscopic procedures have become the standard in modem medicine forconducting surgical procedures which are minimally invasive. Prior tothe development of endoscopic procedures, surgery required direct visualaccess to the surgical area which oftentimes resulted in extreme traumato the patient due to large incisions and the like. With the developmentof endoscopic instruments which include video cameras that can transmitan image of the surgical site to a video display, surgical procedurescan be conducted in a less invasive manner. Although endoscopicprocedures represent a great leap forward in terms of minimizing patienttrauma, endoscopic procedures using video displays have also resulted innew problems.

One prerequisite for successful endoscopic procedures is that thesurgeon must be skilled with the use of the endoscope so that theendoscope itself does not cause unintentional damage to the patient'stissues. In most endoscopic procedures conducted today, the surgeon mayview a standard television (TV) monitor or video screen which displaysan image of the surgical site as photographed by a video camerapositioned within or adjacent the endoscopic instrument. One problemcreated by the use of endoscopes with integral video cameras is that thesurgeon must be able to precisely manipulate the endoscope within thepatient's body while looking away from the patient and toward the remoteTV monitor. Since the standard TV monitor must be placed at a locationsubstantially remote from the patient's body, surgeons have had todevelop particular dexterity and skill in ensuring that the endoscopedoes not unintentionally damage body tissues during the surgicalprocedure.

Another problem associated with endoscopic procedures utilizing TVmonitors or video screens is that the surgeon is dependent upon anotherperson to control the exact type of image displayed on the TV monitor.More particularly, the surgeon may be able to adjust the focus of theimage by a dial located upon the endoscope; however, neither theendoscope nor the camera attached to the endoscope have controls to varythe brightness, contrast or magnification of the image. Accordingly, thesurgeon must direct operating room personnel to adjust the visualdisplay as desired.

Another problem associated with the advent of endoscopic proceduresutilizing video equipment is that since additional equipment is broughtinto the operating room, there is a concern for preventing contaminationby the equipment of the sterile field of the operating room. Electronicequipment including TV monitors tend to naturally induce or create anelectric charge causing dust which contains microorganisms to collect onthis equipment wherein such microorganisms can then be transmitted tothe sterile operating field of the operating room or surgical area. Ithas been found that a surgeon placing his hand near a TV monitordisplaying an image of the surgical area can attract undesirablemicroorganisms via the differential in electrostatic charge between thesurgeon's hand and the TV or monitor screen.

Additionally, standard TV monitors and their associated controls aretypically large and heavy and difficult to manipulate within theoperating room. Accordingly, this equipment cannot be placed directlyadjacent to the patient to enhance the surgeon's ability to manipulatethe endoscopic instrument in a visually aligned position with respect tothe surgical area.

Each of the above-identified disadvantages of current endoscopicprocedures utilizing standard video equipment is overcome by theinvention claimed herein.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a sterile encapsulated operatingroom flat panel video monitor and flat panel video monitor supportdevice are provided. The use of the operating flat panel video monitorand corresponding monitor support device is particularly suited forsurgical procedures such as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, interventionalradiology procedures, interventional cardiology procedures,interventional neurological procedures, endoscopic plastic surgery,flexible gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, endoscopic dentalsurgery, and endoscopic endourology procedures, to name just a few. Inthe first two embodiments of the invention, a video support stand isprovided for mounting a monitor mount thereto. Received within themonitor mount is a monitor module or flat panel video screen which showsimages of a surgical site via images photographed by a video camera incommunication with an endoscopic instrument. A sterile drape ispositioned over the monitor mount securing the monitor module, and thedrape extends over a desired length of the video support stand andtrailing cables of the endoscopic instrument. Thus, the monitor modulemay be placed in the sterile field of the operating room enabling thesurgeon to align the monitor module with respect to the specificsurgical site. Adjustments are provided on the video support stand andon the monitor mount to enable the monitor module to be positioned at aprecise location with respect to the surgical area. In one preferredembodiment, the monitor module takes the form of a very thin andlightweight video monitor. A plurality of apertures may be formed on thesurface of the monitor mount which communicate with a source of vacuumin order that a vacuum can be drawn on the interior open space coveredby the drape so that the drape is drawn tightly against the monitormodule screen. A tight fitting drape over the video support stand andmonitor mount reduces the possibility that the sterile drape will beripped or torn during use, and any distortion of the visual imagedisplayed on the monitor module will be minimized since the drape willbe held tightly against the monitor module screen.

For those monitor modules or video monitors which produce an excessamount of heat, it may be necessary to release this heat in order toavoid overheating of the monitor module or video monitor. Typically,monitor modules have very low power requirements and produce littleheat. However, over long and continuous periods of use, it may benecessary to cool even these types of monitors. Accordingly, the drapemay be equipped with an air vent filter which allows cooling of theinterior of the drape by allowing fresh air to enter through the valve.This air vent filter can be in the form of a bacterial filter whichincludes a hydrophobic filter media allowing free air passage inwardwhile blocking liquids and bacteria or other undesirable microorganismsfrom being expelled from within the unsterile interior of the drape tothe sterile field surrounding the exterior of the drape. In this way,the air vent valve operates much like a one-way check valve. Also, thevalve is a type which prevents liquids from entering the valve whichcould otherwise damage the components of the video equipment. The airvent filter works in conjunction with the vacuum pulled on the drape sothat air introduced into the interior open space within the drape is ata lesser rate than that of the vacuum applied. Accordingly, the drapewill still remain tightly fitted over the video support stand andmonitor mount. Depending upon the amount of heat generated by the videomonitor or monitor module, more than one air vent filter may be providedand the rate of air flow allowed into the drape can be altered inconjunction with the vacuum pulled. Ultimately, there is some flow ofair through the drape to achieve cooling.

In another embodiment, the sterile operating room flat panel videomonitor and flat panel video monitor support device can be directlymounted to the side rail of the operating room table enabling thesupport device to be placed in any number of differing positionsadjacent or upon the patient. In this embodiment, a support arm of thedevice attaches to the side rail by means of a clamp or bracket and themonitor mount is suspended over the operating room table at a desiredlocation with respect to the patient. As with the previous embodiments,a sterile drape is placed over the monitor mount containing the monitormodule and extends over the support arm. A vacuum line extendingadjacent the support arm communicates with apertures formed in themonitor mount so that the sterile drape may be snugly secured againstthe screen of the monitor module. Alternatively, a standard surgicaldrape can be used to cover the support arm and a separate drape can beused to cover the monitor mount and monitor module which are thenmountable to the draped support arm. An air vent filter may also beutilized in this embodiment to cool the interior open space within thedrape.

In yet another embodiment, a support assembly is provided which includesa support platform for securing a standard TV monitor or laptopcomputer. A large drape is placed over the TV monitor/laptop computerand extends over a desired length of the support assembly. A vacuum portis formed on the sterile drape for attachment to an external vacuumline. As necessary, an air vent filter may also be used with thisembodiment.

Additional advantages of this invention will become apparent from thedescription which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sterile encapsulated operating roomflat panel video monitor and flat panel video monitor support devicewhile being used in a surgical procedure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of the sterileencapsulated operating room flat panel video monitor and flat panelvideo monitor support device of this invention;

FIG. 2a is an enlarged front elevation view of a video monitor modulemounted to the video monitor support according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 2b is a front elevation view of a sterile drape which covers thevideo monitor support of the invention;

FIG. 2c is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified sterile drapewhich may cover the video monitor support of this invention;

FIG. 2d is a fragmentary perspective view of another modified steriledrape which may cover the video monitor support of this invention;

FIG. 2e is a rear elevation view of the sterile drape illustrating anair vent filter;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sterileencapsulated operating room flat panel video monitor and flat panelvideo monitor support device of this invention;

FIG. 3a is a fragmentary perspective view of the second embodiment ofthis invention illustrating the sterile drape covering the video monitormodule;

FIG. 3b is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified secondembodiment wherein two monitor modules are provided in a side-by-sidearrangement;

FIG. 3c is a fragmentary perspective view of the modified secondembodiment illustrating the sterile drape covering the pair ofside-by-side monitor modules;

FIG. 3d is a greatly enlarged fragmentary plan view of the drape of thesecond or third embodiments including an air vent filter;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a third embodiment of theencapsulated device of this invention; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of theencapsulated device of this invention;

FIG. 5a is a greatly enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the drapeof the fourth embodiment including an air vent filter.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

According to a first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sterileencapsulated operating room flat panel video monitor and flat panelvideo monitor support device 10 includes a video support stand 12 forsecuring a video monitor module or video monitor 40 thereto. The videosupport stand 12 includes a base 14 which connects to a vertical support16. At the free upper end of vertical support 16 is attached an angularsupport arm 18 which has a vertical section received in vertical support16 and a horizontal section. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vertical support16 may comprise a larger lower section and a smaller upper section.Alternatively, vertical support 16 may be made of a single member ofsufficient size to adequately support arm 18 and monitor module 40. Asshown, support arm 18 may be vertically adjusted by use of verticalsupport adjustment 26 which may be in the form of a wing nut or thelike. The horizontal free end of support arm 18 may include a telescopicportion 20 which enables the support arm to be adjusted in a horizontaldirection. Arm adjustment 24 is provided to adjust the length oftelescopic portion 20 which protrudes from the horizontal free end ofsupport arm 18. A plurality of casters 15 or other wheeled mechanismsattach to the base 14 in order that the video support stand 12 may beconveniently moved from one location to another. A support arm ball 22is attached to the free end of the telescopic portion 20 and serves as apoint of universal rotation for the monitor module 40, as explainedbelow.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 2a, monitor mount 30 attaches to ball 22 of thetelescopic portion 20 by means of socket 35. Ball 22 and socket 35 serveas a ball and socket joint which enables the monitor mount 30 to berotated in an infinite number of positions about ball 22.

As shown in FIG. 2a, the support arm ball 22 and socket 35 may belocated to the side of the monitor mount 30 or, as shown in FIG. 2, theball 22 and socket 35 may be placed on the back side of monitor mount30.

Monitor mount 30 includes a monitor mounting frame 32 which isconfigured to receive the appropriate monitor module 40. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 2a, the monitor mounting frame 32 may receive a monitormodule such as those manufactured by Sony, known as "LCD MonitorModules," which have particularly thin bodies and are lightweight. Forexample, Model No. SEU-2092, manufactured by Sony, is a chassis-type LCDmonitor module having a 58 mm depth and weighing less than 2,000 grams.

As shown in FIG. 2a, monitor mount 30 may be of a box-like configurationfor receiving the monitor module 40 through a front opening sized toreceive the monitor module. In use, a sterile drape 50 is placed overthe monitor mount 30 securing the monitor module 40 and over a desiredlength of angular support arm 18 and vertical support 16. Sterile drape50 is constructed of a substantially transparent, liquid and gasimpermeable material such as polyurethane or the like. Sterile drape 50comprises a flexible body 52, a closed distal end 54 which lies adjacentto the monitor module 40, and an open proximal end 53 which may besealed against the support stand 12 by means of tape or adhesive 58.

The drape 50 may be constructed of a single type of material or,alternately, the drape may include a screen or monitor portion 56 whichis made of a material which is highly transparent and is particularlyuseful in acting as a window through which to view the monitor modulescreen 43. This screen or monitor portion may be rigid or semi-rigid andsized to fit over screen 43. Acrylic or Lexan are examples of suitablematerials for making the monitor portion 56. Such a screen portion 56may additionally be coated with an anti-fogging or anti-glare agent toensure that the monitor module screen 43 remains easily viewed underdifferent conditions within the operating room.

A plurality of apertures 34 may be formed in monitor mounting frame 32.Each of the apertures communicate with vacuum line 36 via internalpassages (not shown) formed in the mounting frame 32. For purposes ofillustration, vacuum line 36 is shown as being positioned exteriorly oftelescopic portion 20; however, vacuum line 36 may be placed insidetelescopic portion 20 and be routed through support arm 18 and verticalsupport arm 16. The free end of internal vacuum line 36 may then beconnected to vacuum fitting 37. An external vacuum line 39 may beconnected to the opposite side of vacuum fitting 37, the external vacuumline communicating with a source of vacuum (not shown) such as astandard operating room vacuum pump or to a wall suction unitcommunicating with a Hospital Central Vacuum system. Alternatively, avacuum pump may be incorporated within the structure of the videosupport stand 12 instead of using an external vacuum source. Forexample, the vacuum pump could be mounted on base 14 or be securedwithin vertical support 16.

The purpose of apertures 34 is to enable a vacuum to be drawn on theinterior open space defined by the interior surface of the sterile drapeso that the sterile drape 50 may be tightly held against the screen 43of the monitor module 40. This tight fit ensures that there is no visualdistortion of the image shown on the screen 43 of the monitor module 40.Furthermore, the tight fit of the sterile drape 50 around the monitormount 30 and monitor module 40 reduces the possibility that the steriledrape 50 will be inadvertently torn by contact during surgery. Byreducing the possibility of tearing the drape, the sterility of theoperating room field is better preserved.

It may also be desirable to provide a plurality of apertures 21 alongthe length of the vertical support 16, angular support arm 18 and/or thetelescopic portion 20. These additional apertures can assist in ensuringthat a uniform vacuum is experienced throughout the interior open spacewithin the sterile drape 50. Apertures 21 may also communicate withinternal vacuum line 36. Alternatively, vacuum line 36 may be eliminatedand apertures 21 and 34 may simply communicate with vacuum fitting 37through the hollow interior of video support stand 12. Conveniently, avacuum switch 38 is provided on the vertical support 16 and iselectrically connected to the vacuum pump in a conventional fashion,enabling operating room personnel to control the vacuum drawn on thesterile drape 50. In lieu of the use of a vacuum to secure the drape 50against the monitor mount 30, the screen or monitor portion 56 may berigid and sized to fit for engagement with the exposed interior edgesdefining the front opening thereof. Such an engagement may be of afriction-type fitting or snap configuration so that the screen portion56 enables the monitor module screen 43 to be viewable under differentconditions within the operating room. Accordingly, the remaining portionof the drape 50 may simply be extended over the remaining portion ofmonitor mount 30 and secured thereto by an appropriate tape or adhesive.Positively engaging the screen portion 56 with mounting frame 32 of themonitor mount ensures the viewability of the module 43 yet eliminatesthe need to draw a vacuum on the drape 50.

For those video monitors or monitor modules which produce an excessamount of heat, it may be necessary to vent the interior of the spaceenclosed by the drape 50. Accordingly, flexible body 52 of the drape 50may include an air vent filter. As shown in FIG. 2e, an opening may beformed in the flexible body 52 and the air vent filter body 55 may beheat sealed to the drape creating an air and watertight seal between thedrape and air vent filter. The air vent filter body 55 surrounds theactual air vent filter element 59 which may be of a hydrophobic filtermedia which allows the free passage of air inward while blocking liquidsand undesirable microorganisms such as bacteria from exiting the drapethrough the filter. Accordingly, the unsterile interior of the drapewill not contaminate the sterile field around the drape exterior byallowing the passage of microorganisms or liquids to the exterior of thedrape. One example of a commercially available air vent filter asdescribed is manufactured by Performance Systematix, Inc., of Caledonia,Mich. In order to keep a tight fit of the drape over the monitor mountand monitor module, the rate at which air is removed from within thedrape by the source of vacuum should exceed the rate at which fresh airis allowed to enter the interior of the drape through the air ventfilter. During those times in which a vacuum is not pulled on theinterior open space within the drape, the air vent filter prevents theinadvertent passage of contaminants within the unsterile interior of thedrape to the sterile exterior of the drape.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the drape 50, the screen portion56 may include a plurality of magnets (not shown) which hold the screenportion 56 firmly against the mounting frame 32. The frame 32 may bemade of a ferrous material. Those skilled in the art can envision othermethods by which a rigid or semi-rigid screen portion 56 may be securedover the module screen 43 without requiring a source of vacuum to bepulled on the drape 50. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2c and 2d,the screen or monitor portion 56 may include a thickened outer edge 57which engages the interior exposed edges 33 of the monitor mountingframe 32. More specifically, when the screen or monitor portion is madeof a substantially rigid material, the outer edge 57 of the monitorportion 56 may be sized to provide a close tolerant fit within exteriorexposed edges 33 so as to securely fasten the monitor portion 56 overthe monitor module screen 43. As further illustrated in FIG. 2d, thethickened outer edge 57 may include a ridge, tab, or generally raisedportion 59 which further ensures that the monitor portion 56 is securelyengaged with the exposed edges 33 of the mounting frame 32. Thestructure 59 may be so configured to enable a "snap fit" with theexposed edges 33. Additionally, the interior exposed edges 33 of themounting frame 32 may include a recess or groove (not shown) forreceiving the structure 59 formed on outer edges 57.

Monitor module 40 may include a plurality of membrane switches 42 whichare located adjacent to the monitor module screen 43. The membraneswitches may be wired to control desired video functions such ascontrast, magnification and brightness, or to control other functionssuch as the printing of an image viewed on the monitor screen via acommunicating printer, or to manipulate the sequence of images displayedby "freezing" images or arranging images in a desired sequential manner.Accordingly, the surgeon may directly control the type of image beingviewed without having to instruct other operating room personnel as tothe type of desired image to be viewed. Furthermore, since the monitormodule 40 is isolated from the sterile operating field via the drape 50,the surgeon may freely manipulate the image by switches 42 withoutconcern for loss of sterility. In lieu of membrane switches 42, themonitor module 40 may incorporate touch screen functioning wherein thesurgeon or operating room personnel touch the monitor module screen 43based upon the particular setup of the touch screen function(s).

Monitor modules manufactured by Sony and other manufacturers, such asTexas Instruments, Xerox, Sharp and Polaris, are self-contained units inthat the monitor modules require, at most, a single communication cablewhich communicates with a video camera. Some manufacturers make monitormodules which require no communication cables and communicate with avideo camera system by means of infrared, radio, or otherelectromagnetic signaling. Thus, it shall be understood that the monitormodules of the invention do not necessarily require any communicationcables in order to produce an image of the surgical site.

According to a second embodiment of the sterile encapsulated operatingroom flat panel video monitor and flat panel video support device 10a,as shown in FIG. 3, a video support stand 60 is provided with a monitormount 80 secured to a monitor module 40 in a desired location within anoperating room. The structure of the video support stand 60 may includevertical members 62 for securing shelves 68. The bottom ends of verticalmember 62 attach to base member 64. As with the first embodiment, aplurality of casters 66 or other wheel-like mechanisms may be mounted tobase member 64 enabling the video support stand 60 to be transportedfrom one location to another.

Vertical support 69 is connected to the support stand 60 at its upperend and lower ends to a shelf 68 and base member 64, respectively.Support arm 70 includes sleeve 71 which slips over vertical support 69.Joint 72 interconnects the free end of support arm 70 to monitor mount80 enabling monitor mount 80 to be rotated to a desired position. Asshown in FIG. 3, support arm 70 may be selectively placed along thelength of the vertical support 69 in a desired position. Monitor mount80 includes monitor mounting frame 82 which differs from the monitormounting frame 32 of the first embodiment in that monitor mounting frame82 is adapted to receive the monitor module 40 by simply sliding themonitor module 40 into the space between opposing sides of parallelmounting frame extensions 83. The monitor module 40 may be held in placeby a series of grooves (not shown) formed on mounting frame extensions83 and corresponding to grooves on the monitor module 40. Alternatively,monitor module 40 may be mounted to monitor mount 80 as by screws, boltsor as otherwise well known by those skilled in the art. A plurality ofvacuum apertures 84 are formed on mounting frame 82 and communicate withvacuum line 86 via internal vacuum passages (not shown) formed inmounting frame 82. Vacuum line 86, in turn, communicates with anexternal vacuum line 88 by means of coupling 87.

Sterile drape 90 is positionable over monitor mount 80 and extends overadjacent support arm 70. When placed in position for use, the closeddistal end 94 of drape 90 fits snugly against frame extensions 83 andthe folded portion 96 of the drape 90 may be unrolled at the openproximal end 93 thereof to extend over an appropriate length of thesupport arm 70. Although being illustrated as a single piece, supportarm 70 may comprise a plurality of pieces connected by hinges to allowthe arm 70 to be folded or unfolded to a desired length. Tape 98 or anappropriate adhesive seal may be used to secure the open proximal end 93of the drape 90 and to provide an airtight barrier when a vacuum isdrawn on the drape 90. A tightly fit drape 90 ensures that no distortionof the monitor module screen 43 occurs because of the drape.

In a modified second embodiment of this invention as shown in FIGS. 3band 3c, the video support stand 60 may be provided with a monitor mount80 which is large enough to accommodate two side-by-side monitormodules, 40 and 40'. As illustrated in FIG. 3b, the monitor mountingframe 82 may be extended to receive the second monitor 40'. Accordingly,a surgeon can simultaneously view two different surgical areas in aside-by-side manner by viewing screen 43 and 43'. Particularly incomplex surgical procedures wherein more than one surgical area must bemonitored, the capability to have a side-by-side view of remote surgicalareas is advantageous.

As shown in FIG. 3c, module 40 and module 40' may both be covered by thesame sterile drape 90. Accordingly, a separate drape structure isunnecessary to provide a sterile barrier for both of the monitors housedwithin monitor mount 80. Although two side-by-side monitors have beenillustrated in FIGS. 3b and 3c, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that mounting frame 82 may be further lengthened toaccommodate any number of monitor modules which may be placed in theside-by-side manner or even in vertically stacked positions.

The drape 90 of the second embodiment may also include as necessary anair vent filter which allows fresh air to circulate and thus cool theinterior open space within the drape 90. As shown in FIG. 3d, the airvent filter is constructed the same as previously disclosed with thefirst embodiment. Specifically, the air vent filter includes an air ventfilter body 95 which is heat-sealed with respect to the flexible body 92of the drape 90 creating an air and watertight seal between the drapeand air vent filter. The air vent filter element 99 is supported by theair vent filter body 95.

In a third embodiment of the sterile operating room video and videomonitor support device of this invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the device10b may include a support arm 100 which connects directly to the siderail R of an operating room table T. A C-clamp 106 or other appropriatetype of bracket holds support arm 100 against rail R wherein adjuster108 allows the support arm 100 to be displaced along the length of siderail R. The free end of support arm 100 includes at least one hanger(s)or hook(s) 102 which engage corresponding eye bolts 104 formed onmonitor mount 116. The monitor mount 116 shown in the embodiment of FIG.4 is similar to the monitor mount 30 illustrated in FIG. 2a. That is,monitor mount 116 includes a plurality of apertures 118 whichcommunicate with a vacuum line 86 which, in turn, connects to anoperating room vacuum source (not shown). The same type of drape 90which is shown in the embodiment in FIG. 3 may also be utilized in theembodiment shown in FIG. 4. That is, the drape is placed over themonitor mount 116 which contains the monitor module 40 and is thenextended over an appropriate length of support arm 100. Tape or adhesive98 is used to secure the open proximal end 93 of the drape to ensurethat a proper vacuum may be drawn on the drape 90.

Also, according to the third embodiment of this invention, support arm70 may be an existing arm support supplied with most operating roomtables known in the art as "ether screen supports." If such an existingarm is used, it may be enclosed inside a standard surgical drape (notshown). Then, monitor module 40 may be enclosed within drape 90. Tape oradhesive 98 is also used to ensure that a proper vacuum may be drawn onthe drape 90. Monitor module 40 which is enclosed within drape 90 maythen be attached to arm 70 which is itself enclosed within the separatestandard surgical drape. One advantage of providing a drape for arm 70and a drape for monitor module 40 is that monitor module 40 may bereplaced with another monitor without having to expose arm 70 to thesterile field of the surgical area. Whether the drape 90 extends overthe monitor module 40 and support arm 70, or whether the support arm 70has its own separate drape, the drape or drapes should extend at leastfour to six feet or more to ensure that the arm 70 and any cablesextending from monitor module 40 are isolated from the sterile field ofthe surgical area.

Although monitor module 40, monitor module 40', monitor mount 80 andsupport arm 100 are illustrated as being covered by a drape, it will beunderstood that this structure which may reside in the sterile field canbe sterilized by an autoclave or the like, thus eliminating the need fora drape.

In a fourth embodiment of the sterile operating room video monitor andvideo monitor support device 10c of this invention, as shown in FIG. 5,a support assembly 120 is provided which includes a base 122 whichconnects to a vertical support 124. Vertical support 124 may be uniformin thickness or diameter, or may further include a telescopic portion126. A standard video monitor V may be mounted on a monitor mount in theform of a support platform 128. In lieu of the standard video monitor V,a laptop computer (not shown) can be mounted on support platform 128. Aplurality of casters or wheels 123 may be mounted to base 122 to enablethe support assembly 120 to be transported to the desired location.Large sterile drape 110 is positioned over the video monitor V anddownwardly extends over the vertical support 124. If a laptop computeris used, a drape such as drape 50 may be used so that monitor portion 56covers the screen of the laptop computer. A vacuum port 112 is formed onthe drape 50/110 and receives vacuum line 114 which, in turn,communicates with an appropriate operating room vacuum source. Tape oradhesive 130 is applied to the open proximal end of the drape 50/110 toensure a vacuum can be drawn thereon.

FIG. 5a also illustrates the use of an air vent filter which may be usedfor cooling the interior open space within the drape 110 of the fourthembodiment. The construction of this air vent filter is the same aspreviously described with the previous embodiments, namely, the air ventfilter is characterized by an air vent filter body 115 which isheat-sealed with respect to the drape 110, and an air vent filterelement 119 is supported and held in place by the air vent filter body115. In the fourth embodiment, it may be convenient to place the airvent filter at a location on the upper end of the video monitor, or atthe rear or back side of the video monitor where the majority of theheat is produced.

In a broad sense, the combination of the air vent filter and the vacuumpulled on the interior of the drape by use of the vacuum line can bethought of as a means for allowing a controlled volume of air to passthrough the drape to cool the interior space within the drape. Dependingupon the rate at which it is necessary to cool the interior space withinthe drape, more than one air vent filter can be used and the air ventfilter(s) can be chosen which allows greater or lesser flow rates of airto enter the drape. Also, the rate at which air is withdrawn from withinthe drape by use of the vacuum line can also be altered as necessary.Thus, the number and type of air vent filter used and the rate of vacuumapplied can be referred to as a means for controlling the flow rate ofair. As described above, the air vent filter prevents contaminants fromwithin the drape from passing through the air vent filter to theexterior of the drape. In this regard, the air vent filter functionslike a check valve.

The operation of the sterile operating room video monitor and videomonitor support can best be seen in FIG. 1. As shown, the video supportstand 12 is positioned adjacent to the operating room table T and thetelescopic portion 20 of the support arm 18 extends over the patient's Pbody. In the type of surgical procedure being conducted, the surgeon Sis standing toward the foot of the operating table T and observes themonitor module 40 in a visually aligned position with respect to theendoscope E which is inserted into the incision I. Because of theproximity of the monitor module 40 with the respect to both the surgeonS and the surgical site, the surgeon S may manipulate the image producedon the module screen 43 without having to turn away from the surgicalsite or by having another operating room person adjust the image for thesurgeon. The sterile field is properly protected from contamination byuse of the sterile drape which is placed over the monitor mount andextends downwardly over support arm 18. In a normal operating procedure,the endoscope E has a drape D attached at its proximal end which coversthe trailing cables of the endoscope/video camera combination.

Although the application of the foregoing invention is particularlysuited for surgery as conducted by medical doctors, the above-describedinvention is equally applicable and useful in dental surgery or dentalprocedures. Thus, each of the above-identified embodiments can be usedby a dentist or oral surgeon who may wish to view the mouth area of apatient. Therefore, it will be understood that the invention disclosedherein is not restricted solely to surgical procedures conducted bymedical doctors, but also extends to any type of procedure whereinviewing of a patient is desired.

In accordance with the invention described above, numerous problemsassociated with the use of video equipment in endoscopic procedures canbe overcome. Since the video support stand 12 provides a means by whicha surgeon may position a video image of the surgical site, the surgeonis able to maintain visual alignment with respect to the surgical areawhich greatly enhances the surgeon's ability to manipulate an endoscope.Because of the self-contained monitor module which is small andlightweight, and also has integral switches for controlling the type ofimage viewed, the surgeon may easily adjust the type of image to beviewed as well as position the monitor module with a minimum amount ofdisruption during a surgical procedure. By the use of the sterile drapewhich completely encloses a desired portion of the video support standand monitor module which may be in contact with the sterile field of theoperating room, sterility is not sacrificed at the cost of improvedimaging capability. The use of an air vent filter compensates for excessheat by allowing the cooling of the video monitor/monitor module, butdoes not sacrifice sterility or prevent the drape from being tightlyheld against the video monitor/monitor module.

This invention has been described in detail with reference to particularembodiments thereof, but it will be understood that various othermodifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of thisinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. In combination, a monitor mount and a steriledrape for supporting a video monitor and enclosing the video monitortherein, said combination comprising:a monitor mounting frame forreleasably holding the video monitor in a desired position; and asterile drape including a flexible body portion, an inner surfacedefining an interior open space for enclosing the video monitor therein,and a substantially transparent window portion integral with saidflexible body portion and positionable over the video monitor enablingan image produced on the video monitor to be viewed without distortion;an air vent filter sealed to the flexible body portion allowing adesired rate of air to enter the interior open space and preventingliquids and microorganisms within the interior open space from passingthrough said air vent filter and out of the interior open space; and avacuum line connected to said sterile drape and communicating with asource of vacuum for removing air within said sterile drape and causingair to pass through said air vent filter to cool the video monitor whichmay produce an excess amount of heat.
 2. In combination, a monitor mountand a sterile drape for supporting a video monitor and enclosing thevideo monitor therein, said combination comprising:a video support standincluding a support platform for releasably holding the video monitor ina desired position; and a sterile drape including a flexible bodyportion, an inner surface defining an interior open space for enclosingthe video monitor therein, and a substantially transparent windowportion integral with said flexible body portion and positionable overthe video monitor enabling an image produced on the video monitor to beviewed without distortion; an air vent filter sealed to the flexiblebody portion allowing a desired rate of air to enter the interior openspace and preventing liquids and microorganisms within the interior openspace from passing through said air vent filter and out of the interioropen space; and a vacuum line connected to said sterile drape andcommunicating with a source of vacuum for removing air within saidsterile drape and causing air to pass through said air vent filter tocool the video monitor which may produce an excess amount of heat.
 3. Incombination, a monitor mount and a sterile drape for supporting a videomonitor and enclosing the video monitor therein, said combinationcomprising:a monitor mount for releasably holding the video monitor inthe desired position; a sterile drape including a flexible body portion,an interior surface defining an interior open space for enclosing thevideo monitor therein, and a substantially transparent window portionintegral with said flexible body portion and positionable over the videomonitor enabling an image produced on the video monitor to be viewedwithout distortion; and means for allowing a controlled volume of air topass into and through the drape in order to cool the interior open spacewhich may be heated by the video monitor, said means for allowing alsopreventing liquids or microorganisms from passing therethrough and outof the interior open space which could contaminate the sterile fieldsurrounding the sterile drape, said means for allowing including meansfor controlling the flow rate of air passing through the drape.
 4. Amethod of cooling a video monitor within a sterile drape comprising thesteps of:providing a video monitor encapsulated within a sterile drape;attaching a vacuum line to the sterile drape; attaching an air ventfilter to the drape; drawing a vacuum on the interior open space withinthe drape by a vacuum source placed in communication with the vacuumline; creating a flow of air through the interior open space by airpassing through the air vent filter, through the interior open space,and into the vacuum line.
 5. A method, as claimed in claim 4, furthercomprising the steps of:preventing the passage of microorganisms andother contaminants from passing back through the interior open space viathe air vent filter to the exterior of the drape which could otherwisecontaminate the sterile field surrounding the sterile drape.